By George Akpayen
Bottom-placed Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Gombe United have appointed Bala Nikyu to head their coaching crew for the remaining period of the season.
The Savannah Scorpions have struggled for form, winning just seven times in 27 matches and have also suffered a six-point and six-goal deduction for infraction this term.
The club described the appointment of Nikyu as “a strategic move aimed at bolstering their coaching staff.”
“In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their coaching staff, Gombe United has officially announced the signing of Bala Nikyu, a seasoned veteran in Nigerian football management,” a statement from the club read.
Nikyu takes up the role of head coach at Gombe United after Mohammed Baba Ganaru left the role earlier this season.
Gombe United general manager Abubakar Abubakar explained that they hired Nikyu based on “his proven track record and tactical knowledge” of the game.
Abubakar said the hierarchy of the club believes that Nikyu can build a new and solid mentality among the coaching and playing staff despite their precarious position in the NPFL standings in the final moments of the season.
“Nikyu is a well-experienced gaffer. His proven track record and tactical knowledge will be invaluable assets to our team. We believe that under his leadership, we can mould a solid team that will strive to please our supporters and stakeholders,” Abubakar is quoted as saying by Gombe United media.
Nikyu will begin his era at Gombe United with a home game against one of the title contenders Remo Stars on Wednesday.
Nikyu’s last job in the NPFL was with second tier side Nasarawa United where he parted ways with the Lafia following a string of poor results in 2023.
He has also worked at Katsina United, Niger Tornadoes and Wikki Tourists.